New project launched to improve area of Blyth

David Sedgwick

A new community project has been launched to help improve the lives of people living in part of Blyth.

After a series of anti-social behaviour incidents in Newsham, Northumberland County Council and Northumbria Police carried out a door-to-door survey to find out the main issues and what residents wanted to see.

More than 300 households responded, and a new ‘Newsham Community Matters’ project has been launched, supported by the council with £25,000 funding from NE Procurement.

A Community Interest Company, led by tenants and residents, will be formed to take the project forward.

The scheme will offer residents activities and courses to help improve their lives with focus on three themes – IT Matters; Practical Matters; and Family Matters.

Courses will be held at the Church of Yahweh, St Bede’s Church Hall and The Pavillion, starting on Tuesday, March 21.

A free family fun day to launch the project will be held at The Pavillion on Saturday between 10am and 2pm. There will be a children’s parade, Princess and Pirate fancy dress, treasure hunt, raffles and the chance to find out more.

Coun Alan Hepple, cabinet member for housing, said: “This community project will help residents to gain new life skills, as well as potentially improving their employability and general health.

“The council responded to concerns raised by those living in Newsham and now we hope that the community will take this project forward.”

Irene Willis, 72, has lived in Newsham for more than 50 years, said: “I have seen a lot of changes over the years, but recently we seem to have lost that community pride in the area.

“This project has so many different elements to it that I think there is something for everyone. Working together, and getting the older generation to help the younger one, will hopefully not only improve the community but also the lives of people who live here.

“I would encourage everyone to go along to the open day and find out what courses and activities could benefit them.”

Rod Brassington, chief executive at NE Procurement, said: “We are very proud to be supporting the Newsham Community Matters project. It is a great initiative which will benefit everyone in the local area and help to bring the whole community together. We are sure it will be a very successful project and wish those involved great success.”